Will Social Security Retire Before You Do?

People have traditionally seen Social Security benefits as the foundation of their retirement planning programs. The Social Security contributions deducted from workers’ paychecks have, in effect, served as a government-enforced retirement savings plan.

However, the Social Security system is under increasing strain. Better health care and longer life spans have resulted in an increasing number of people drawing Social Security benefits. As the baby boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) has begun to retire, even greater demands are being placed on the system.

In 1950, there were 16.5 active workers to support each person receiving Social Security benefits. In 2016, there were only 2.8 workers supporting each Social Security beneficiary. And it is projected that there will be only 2.1 active workers to support each Social Security beneficiary by 2040.1

Although Social Security payments are typically adjusted for inflation, your own income and expenses may rise at a faster pace. And you might have to wait longer than you anticipated to qualify for full benefits.

It used to be that full benefits were available after you reached age 65. But since 2003, the age to qualify for full benefits has been increasing on a graduated scale based on year of birth. By 2027, the age to qualify for full Social Security benefits will have increased to age 67, where it is currently scheduled to remain.

That means you may have to wait longer to qualify for full Social Security benefits to start replacing a smaller percentage of your pre-retirement income.

When calculating the income you will have in retirement, you might recognize that Social Security benefits may play a more limited role. Some financial professionals suggest ignoring Social Security altogether when developing a retirement income plan.

Source: 1) Social Security Administration, 2016

Note: The Social Security Administration no longer mails an annual estimated benefit statement to all taxpayers. You can view your statement online by visiting www.ssa.gov/myaccountand creating your own personal Social Security account on the Social Security website.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not render legal, accounting, or tax advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisors before taking any action that may have tax consequences. Wells Fargo Advisors did not assist in the preparation of this material, and its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed.

This information is intended for use only by residents of (MI). Please consult with each individual Financial Advisor listed on this site to understand what states they are licensed to transact business.

Investment and Insurance products:

Not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency

Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate

Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and WFAFN, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. Any other referenced entity is a separate entity from WFAFN.

A note about Social Media: Opinions, comments and actions taken on Social Media are those of the third party and do not necessarily reflect the views of the creator of this profile or of the firm. Social Media is intended for U.S. residents only and subject to the following terms: wellsfargoadvisors.com/social.

Links to third-party websites are provided for your convenience and information purposes only. Wells Fargo Advisors is not responsible for the information contained on third party websites.